Himachal emerges as a front-runner state in India’s TB elimination drive
Himachal Pradesh is making significant progress towards the elimination of tuberculosis (TB) through a combination of short-term and long-term strategic interventions, Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil said here today while participating virtually in a meeting of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan held in New Delhi.
The meeting was chaired by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and reviewed the progress of states and union territories in achieving the national goal of a TB-free India.
Addressing the meeting, Dr. Shandil said that Himachal Pradesh has emerged as one of the leading states in the country in key TB control indicators. The state has achieved more than 75 percent coverage in screening vulnerable populations in high-risk villages and wards, conducting X-ray examinations and NAAT testing and providing comprehensive care to TB patients.
He said that the success of the state’s TB elimination initiatives was being driven by the dedicated efforts of ASHA workers, healthcare personnel, Ni-kshay Mitras and active community participation. The involvement of MP’s, MLA’s, elected representatives and Panchayati Raj Institutions has further strengthened the campaign across the state.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to achieve a TB-free Himachal Pradesh, Dr. Shandil said that efforts are underway to expand the state’s TB diagnostic network and further strengthen healthcare infrastructure. The government is ensuring timely identification, diagnosis and effective treatment of TB cases, while also enhancing public awareness about the disease.
He said that preventive medication is being provided to close contacts of TB patients and individuals identified as being at risk, thereby reducing the likelihood of transmission and disease progression.
The Health Minister also urged the Union Government to facilitate the provision of handheld X-ray machines to support intensified screening and accelerate progress towards achieving the goal of a TB-free Himachal Pradesh.
Managing Director of the National Health Mission Pradeep Kumar Thakur and other senior officers also attended the meeting.
